Variable rate opposing rotational mixer and feeder

Abstract

The present invention constitutes a mixing and feeding apparatus for use in association with solid chemicals such as fiberglass and certain plastics. The mixing function is achieved by a circumferential tumbler, having a plurality of longitudinal prongs, which rotates in a first direction. Concurrently with the rotation of the tumbler, an axial flight screw, axially disposed within the tumbler, rotates in an opposite direction. The rotation of the flight screw interacts with the tumbler to perform a mixing function while also serving to advance the solid material from the mixer to a discharge area.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, useful and non-obvious and, accordingly, secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
       1. A variable rate opposing rotational material mixer and feeder, comprising: a. a mixing box having a longitudinal axis and containing a solid flight screw and a circumferential tumbler mixing element said solid flight screw being disposed along said longitudinal axis;   b. motor and gear drive means including means for axially rotating said flight screw in a given direction of angular rotation;   c. mid circumferential tumbler mixing element being disposed coaxially with and circumferentially about as said solid flight screw;   d. said motor and gear drive means for axially rotating said circumferential tumbler, in an angular direction opposite to the direction of rotation of said flight screw integrally surrounding said means for axially rotating said flight screw;   e. said flight screw serving to convey materials mixed in said mixing box by said mixing tumbler continuously through a communicating discharge cylinder extending coaxially from said mixing box to discharge outlet whereby the opposing rotations of said tumbler and said flight screw cause both an improved simultaneously mixing and discharging of said materials.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said tumbler comprises a plurality of longitudinal prongs. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said flight screw comprises an endless helical screw, whereby the rotation of said screw effectuates the axial advancement and discharge of the mixed materials. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said tumbler rotation means further comprises a variable speed control. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said flight screw rotation means further comprises a variable speed control.